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Lexus LF-Xh Press Release Photo

Having debuted last year, the announcement that the Lexus LF-Xh concept would be at the Paris Auto Show didn’t really elicit a reaction from me — that is, until I saw this stunning photo released by Lexus Europe to mark the occasion: (Be sure to click on the image to get the full version, it’s …

Kevin · September 17th, 2008

Lexus GS 450h Targa Racer Video (Plus an Update)

Today, we have some seriously short video clips of the Lexus GS 450h currently racing around the Targa Newfoundland course. There’s quite a few on Youtube, but these two here are the best indication of the speed and conditions: As far as the race itself, Team Lexus had a great showing yesterday: Results for Day …

Kevin · September 16th, 2008

Lexus GS 450h Competes in Targa Newfoundland Race

The race-modified Lexus GS 450h has returned to the Targa Newfoundland race after competing last year. Running from September 13-20, the team behind the hybrid racer is keeping a great blog over at Autonet. Here’s an excerpt from yesterday’s post, after completion of the Prologue stage: And for our first pass through the much tighter …

Kevin · September 15th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS 220d Photos

Lexus Europe’s press release about the new IS 250 C Convertible also included some information regarding the Europe-only 2009 IS 220d: Refreshed interior and exterior styling represents a further evolution of Lexus’ unique L-finesse design philosophy. Modifications to suspension, steering, transmissions and paddle shift technology offer notable improvements to driving dynamics. Aerodynamics and transmission enhancements …

Kevin · September 12th, 2008

New Lexus LX 570 Print Ads

There’s a new set of Lexus LX 570 print ads making the rounds, and I can’t stress how impressed I am by them (click on the images below for a larger version): These ads highlight the LX’s 360° camera view, an elaborate system that even allows looking around corners. (I really like the abstract look …

Kevin · September 11th, 2008

Fifth Gear Comparison: Lexus IS-F vs. BMW M3

In terms of sheer entertainment, this clip from Fifth Gear judging the Lexus IS-F and the BMW M3 by how high they get a woman’s heartrate is pure dead brilliant: A very enjoyable piece (and it’s duly noted that Tiff has to cheat at the end to get the M3 above the IS-F). Update: Didn’t …

Kevin · September 10th, 2008

Lexus IS 250 C Convertible to be Introduced at Paris Motor Show

It’s been a rumor for a while now, but Lexus today confirmed that the IS 250 Convertible, or the IS 250 C, will be making its official debut at the Paris Motor Show. Details are sparse, the only thing the press release was clear about was the introduction date: Further information and images will be …

Kevin · September 10th, 2008

SEMA 2008: Fox Marketing/Artisan Lexus IS-F will produce 600hp

There’s been some new(ish) details released regarding the Fox Marketing/Artisan Lexus IS-F that’s scheduled to be shown at SEMA. As is my tendency these last couple days, let’s outline the mods in convenient bullet-points: The engine will be pumping out an abundant 600hp (estimated) due to a twin-turbo setup using compressed air, JE pistons, Crower …

Kevin · September 9th, 2008

Assorted Lexus 2009 Price Changes

The remaining 2009 Lexus model updates & US price changes are small, so let’s just put them all together: ES 350: Unchanged for 2009, the ES 350 will see a fractional price increase of $200, bringing the base MSRP to $34,320. GS 350/460: All versions of the gas engine GS will have a $300 price …

Kevin · September 8th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS-F Changes

Though not as extensive as the Lexus IS, the 2009 IS-F will also be getting some changes. Let’s summarize: Revised instrument panel cluster design Illuminated mirror controls & a new open/close moonroof switch A Piano-black center-cluster finish for navigation-equipped vehicles New terra cotta and black two-tone interior The new interior is a bizarre combo, I …

Kevin · September 8th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS Pricing

The upcoming changes to the 2009 Lexus IS won’t be causing much in the way of a price increase in the United States. The new facelift will only see a $300 jump in price, regardless of which version is purchased. In Canada, the 2009 IS 250 RWD & IS 350 will both see a $400 …

Kevin · September 5th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS Commercial from Japan

The new 2009 Lexus IS facelift has certainly started picking up some steam this week, and now we have a commercial from Japan that shows the updated model carting around Cinderella: Nice to see the integrated turn signals in action, however brief.

Kevin · September 5th, 2008

Lexus Tops in Customer Loyalty

J.D. Power’s has released a first quarter report on Customer Loyalty, a study that determines what percentage of car buyers stick with the same manufacturer when purchasing a new vehicle. In the study, Lexus lead the way at 48%, four points higher than BMW and nearly four points over Mercedes. I find this to be …

Kevin · September 4th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS Information & Photos

Official 2009 Lexus IS photos have surfaced today, along with a promise that the mid-cycle facelift will debut at the Paris Auto Show. Before getting to the photos, though, let’s do a full breakdown of the various nips & tucks: Exterior Revised front bumper with reworked lower air intake and fog lights Expanded front grille …

Kevin · September 3rd, 2008

Lexus USA August 2008 Sales Report

Lexus’ August sales numbers are in, and it’s not that bad, considering the year so far: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 6,318 5,381 17.4 ES350 7,881 8,646 -8.8 GS350/460/450h 1,686 2,300 -26.7 SC430 187 298 -37.2 LS460/600h L 1,772 3,164 -44.0 Total Cars 17,844 19,789 -9.8 RX350/400h 8,969 10,032 -10.6 GX470 1,720 2,157 -20.3 LX570 …

Kevin · September 3rd, 2008

Lexus ES 350 Commercial: Perspective

This latest Lexus commercial for the ES is a riff on the automobile-as-art-piece, displaying a blown up cross section in what looks like an art gallery: I loved this commercial tagline the first time around, and hearing it the second time makes me wonder why it isn’t played up in more commercials. Works really well.

Kevin · September 2nd, 2008

Lightweight Lexus IS-F Planned

Although it seems like a rehash of known information, German Dutch magazine Autotelegraaph reports that Lexus will not only release a coupe/convertible version of the IS in 2009, but that work continues on a lightweight IS-F. Motor Trend summarizes: Autotelegraaph reports that Lexus has been channeling Lotus and already has a lightened test model running …

Kevin · September 1st, 2008

2009 Lexus IS Photos

No question now, this is the upcoming 2009 Lexus IS facelift: These photos, posted on the same site that leaked the 2009 IS brochure, reveal the new IS in some sort of Japanese Korean Lexus showroom, presumably where unreleased models are displayed for anyone to see. Enough talk, here’s the full gallery: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1138”} [Source: …

Kevin · August 29th, 2008

Policeman Talks about the Oakland Lexus SC Style

This is hilarious. You may remember me posting up photos of some first generation Lexus SCs done up in grand style, like the one above. Well, it seems like they’ve also been noticed by local police, including Officer “Smith”, who blogs the following: The latest fad to strike the Bay Area is the uncontrollable urge …

Kevin · August 27th, 2008

700hp Lexus IS Engine Explosion

Not every day you get to see a souped 700hp Lexus IS engine blow up (make sure to turn the sound down, loud rap music ahead): Not sure on the full story, but I can’t help but think whoever made this video of must have wanted to rub it in — either that or it …

Kevin · August 27th, 2008

Lexus LS 460 AWD Introduced at Moscow Auto Show

When it comes to the release of the Lexus LS 460 AWD version, this picture says it all: As expected, the LS 460 AWD was introduced at the Moscow International Auto Show today, and the folks at Autoblog have a full photo gallery of the model. The only thing? That AWD badge in the photo …

Kevin · August 26th, 2008

Lexus Salesman Blocked from Competing in Mercedes Golf Tournament

A funny story from Singapore has surfaced on Club Lexus — Lionel Lim won the opportunity to compete for the Mercedes Benz golf trophy only to be disqualified because he was a Lexus salesman: He works for Lexus, but this golfer won the Singapore Country Final of the Mercedes trophy. This has led to a …

Kevin · August 25th, 2008

Italdesign Quaranta Hybrid Concept

It may not be a Lexus supercar prototype, but the Italdesign Quaranta concept is powered by a Lexus engine, namely the….RX 400h? Massage the right button, and the rear decklid opens to reveal a powertrain cribbed from what we know as the Lexus RX 400h. Italdesign and Toyota have an ongoing relationship; their first project, …

Kevin · August 22nd, 2008

Custom Lexus IS-F by 0-60 Magazine Coming to SEMA 2008

We’ve seen the finished version of the the Fox/Artisan Lexus IS-F that will be displayed at this year’s SEMA, and now another has surfaced — this time it’s a work-in-progess by 0-60 Magazine: So far, the plan looks to be replacing the hood, front fenders, side skirts and the trunk lid with carbon fiber versions, …

Kevin · August 21st, 2008

Flickr Find: Lexus IS Danger

Bader Bouarki’s photo of the Lexus IS is fantastic, and the description is even better: I Told my friend to drive, i went to the second car and sit in the trunk, it was 120KM/H, i added the cloud as a part of a beauty… Sitting on the trunk of a car going 120kph (75mph) …

Kevin · August 21st, 2008

Lexus Prius Sketch from Motor Trend

There isn’t much in the way of new information in Motor Trend’s article about the upcoming Lexus hybrid, but it did include this beauty of a mockup sketch: There were a few new points covered, though they seem entirely speculative: The difference between the Lexus variant and the Prius itself — as is generally the …

Kevin · August 20th, 2008

Comparison : 2009 Hyundai Genesis V8 vs. 2008 Lexus GS 350

Edmunds has went ahead and pitted the Lexus GS 350 against the brand new Hyundai Genesis, resulting in a mismatch that places far too much emphasis on the pricetag: So the Genesis is a large, rear-drive luxury sedan that’s priced like a smaller front-drive one — at 195.6 inches long it’s just 2.4 inches shorter …

Kevin · August 19th, 2008

The Lexus Nuaero Concept by Jon Rådbrink

Swedish automotive design student Jon Rådbrink has created a wild, Batmanish Lexus concept called the Nuaero. Rakish and impractical as it may be, it wasn’t just a case of loading up 3D Studio Max and going for gold. Rådbrink tried to reinvent from every angle: The spacious interior is centered around a multi-point touch screen …

Kevin · August 18th, 2008

Lexus LS 460 AWD to Debut at Moscow Auto Show

It was only last week that we heard of Lexus’ plans to release an All-Wheel Drive version of the LS 460/L, and now it’s been confirmed for introduction at the Moscow International Motor Show: The new model, to be sold along side the existing LS 460 and LS 460 L, features permanent all wheel drive …

Kevin · August 18th, 2008

SEMA 2008 Lexus IS-F from Fox/Artisan

The Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance Lexus IS-F project car scheduled for display at SEMA 2008 has been unveiled early, and brings with it some very exciting news for IS-F owners: The vehicle will be debuted at SEMA 2008 in Las Vegas alongside 3 other IS-F’s from different aftermarket companies. These companies will be showcasing and developing …

Kevin · August 15th, 2008

Pebble Beach Edition of the Lexus LS 600hL Introduced

The first edition of the Pebble Beach Lexus LS 600hL (and the sixth edition of the PB SC 430) will be introduced tomorrow at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Lexus Fashion Preview. With a limited run of 50, the LS 600hL will be fully loaded and have a number of exclusive touches: Pebble Beach Truffle …

Kevin · August 14th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS Uncovered

It may be an elaborate hoax, but My.IS member nyjinwoo has uncovered what looks to be a brochure for the 2009 Lexus IS 250/350. First thing, here’s an overview of the exterior changes: The front grille has been given the same extended chrome border and integrated turn signals that were included in last year’s refreshed …

Kevin · August 13th, 2008

A Different Kind of 4-Wheel Lexus

Painted up in IS-F Ultrasonic Blue, this training bicycle is the latest proof of Lexus’ dedication to the environment, and also also highlights their commitment to future owners: No word on when the bike will be available or what type of distribution channel will be used, but Nürburgring spy shots should be arriving any day …

Kevin · August 12th, 2008

Lexus RX 400h Sales Growing in United Kingdom

Although no exact numbers are mentioned, The Auto Channel is reporting that Lexus RX 400h sales have increased in the UK by 28% over last July, which is especially impressive given the current SUV climate in the country: That [28%] growth stands in stark contrast to the fortunes of rival luxury brands, which suffered an …

Kevin · August 12th, 2008

Lexus Future Forecasting

Automotive News has published a report detailing what seems to be Lexus’ entire future manufacturing plans, though it’s unclear as to the source of this information. Regardless, allow me to summarize: The LF-A, or the “LF-1″ as its referred to in the article, has been pushed back yet again due to the performance-to-cost ratio and …

Kevin · August 11th, 2008

Lexus Dominates J.D. Power Dependability Study

For the 14th year straight, Lexus has topped the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, and they did it in style. Take a look at this chart: This study measures the consumer problems on three-year-old vehicles. The substantial gap between Lexus and their next closest competitor illustrates an impressive 25 problem drop over 2007, when Lexus …

Kevin · August 7th, 2008

Lexus IS Commercial: Move as One

There’s some fairly strong imagery in this Lexus IS commercial from Australia, and it’s all vaguely biblical: I’d really like to see the creative brief on this one.

Kevin · August 6th, 2008

Lexus Japan Layoffs

800 temporary workers at a Toyota plant in Japan were laid off yesterday: Japanese automaker Toyota has laid off 800 people at a plant in southwestern Japan, or about 10 percent of the plant’s work force, in response to declining sales in North America, a company official said Tuesday. All the job cuts — carried …

Kevin · August 6th, 2008

JM Lexus Creates Mega IS 350 for Mega Meet

Every year, the JM Lexus dealership in South Florida sponsors the Lexus/Supra Mega Meet, a two day event set up for enthusiasts to both check out and show off some custom rides. To mark the occasion, JM Lexus put together a heavily modified IS 350, featuring not only every F-Sport accessory available but also a …

Kevin · August 5th, 2008

Lexus Prius? The Ongoing Saga

UK Magazine AutoCar claims to have the inside scoop on the oft-mentioned Lexus hybrid debuting at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show: The new model is known internally as SAI but will be renamed before it goes on sale and will be based on the next generation Prius, also being shown for the first time in …

Kevin · August 4th, 2008

Custom Lexus IS-F Interior Mods from L-Tuned Parts

L-Tuned Parts, the online Lexus parts superstore, is now offering some custom-made IS-F interior mods, including these two steering wheel replacements: Here’s the stock IS-F wheel for comparison’s sake: Replacement steering wheels aren’t for the faint-of-heart: Even if you send the IS-F’s stock steering wheel in exchange, these carbon fiber versions aren’t cheap ($1350USD & …

Kevin · August 3rd, 2008

Lexus USA July 2008 Sales Report

The July 2008 numbers for Lexus USA are in: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 4,750 4,892 -10.4 ES350 5,563 6,909 -25.7 GS350/460/450h 1,297 1,954 -38.7 SC430 143 304 -56.6 LS460/600h L 1,466 2,696 -49.8 Total Cars 13,219 16,755 -27.2 RX350/400h 7,101 8,413 -22.1 GX470 1,019 1,767 -46.8 LX570 843 206 277.7 Total Trucks 8,963 10,386 …

Kevin · August 1st, 2008

Lexus to Launch in the Philippines in 2009

According to The Manila Standard, Lexus will begin sale in the Philippines starting in January 2009: Alfred Ty, son of the business tycoon George Ty, told reporters the company is set on October to break ground for the only Lexus showroom in country within the Metrobank’s property in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig. The Lexus showroom …

Kevin · July 31st, 2008

Modified Lexus IS-F Coming to SEMA 2008

The IS-F will be making Lexus-sponsored appearance at SEMA again this year, this time in collaboration with the Fox Marketing & Artisan Performance. The person-in-charge of the modified version is Brian Fox, who’s been posting photos of the work-in-progress to his

Kevin · July 30th, 2008

Lexus IS Coupe Photochops

These Lexus IS coupe photochops from Top Speed might be almost two years old, but when I spotted the thumbnails on Flickr today, I thought it was the real deal: I have a feeling the coupe is going to be a looker, but this example lacks the hard edge that I’d like to see. One …

Kevin · July 29th, 2008

Lexus Chile Likes My LS 400

Lexus Chile has honored me by featuring my LS 400 in their history timeline: My photo: I’m not entirely sure why my ‘94 LS is filed under 2001, but you won’t catch me complaining.

Kevin · July 28th, 2008

Flickr Find: Ghost in the Lexus LF-A

High Dynamic Range Imaging, or HDR Photography, is the process of layering multiple images with different exposures, which creates a vivid and otherworldly image. It’s all the rage with digital photographers, including Flickr user NikonNikk, who applied the process to the Lexus LF-A (Be sure to click through and see it full-size): It always amazes …

Kevin · July 26th, 2008

Lexus SC 430, GX 470, & LX 570 to Remain Unchanged for 2009

The 2009 versions of the Lexus SC 430, GX 470 and LX 570 will remain unchanged save for some minor changes (all prices USD): The 2009 model year SC 430 luxury hardtop convertible receives new side mirrors with incorporated turn signals and will have a base MSRP $66,805, an increase of 0.7 percent or $450. …

Kevin · July 25th, 2008

Fairmont Hotels & Lexus Extend Partnership

As it turns out, the Hybrid Living Suites were just a prelude to a more extended partnership between Lexus and Fairmont Hotels: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Lexus, two global brands synonymous with luxury and style, today announced a formal partnership that will provide Fairmont President’s Club members with an even greater level of personalized …

Kevin · July 24th, 2008

DRC’s Lexus IS-GTF Race Results

The DRC Motorsports Lexus IS-GTF (which has suitably been renamed as an IS 350) had a bumpy start to its inaugural race this past weekend, my.IS has the details: The #72 DRC Motorsports Lexus IS 350 made its initial Mid-Ohio appearance during the second practice session, but entered pit lane before completing a full practice …

Kevin · July 24th, 2008

Lexus LF-A Engine on display at London Motor Show

Even if there’s nothing really new to look at, this Car Magazine video clip of the London Motor Show does feature the LF-A’s engine suspended in glass: Looks smaller than I would expect.

Kevin · July 23rd, 2008

Crazy Lexus IS 300 with 713hp

Normally, I wouldn’t post a video like this, but the insane power of this car needs to be shared. (Funny thing is, at lower speeds, it still managed to retain its Lexus characteristics.)

Kevin · July 23rd, 2008

Lexus RX Commercial: Lift-Off

The latest in Lexus’ series of Actively Safe commercials managed to give me the creeps very effectively: No, really…where was the dog during the crash?

Kevin · July 22nd, 2008

Lexus GS Video: 1998 Motor Trend Import Car of the Year

This video of Motor Trend television awarding the Lexus GS the 1998 import car of the year award is extraordinary if only for the sheer amount of praise heaped on the vehicle: “Almost as good as a new Corvette.” “Matching or exceeding the German traditions in every measure possible.” It’s no wonder why the second-generation …

Kevin · July 21st, 2008

Lexus Europe 2008 YTD Sales

Lexus Europe have reported their 2008 January to June sales, and the result is very similar to the US numbers. For the first six months of the year, 24,859 vehicles have been sold, a 14% decrease from last year. The press release also mentions that 35% of all Lexus’ sold in Europe are hybrids, which …

Kevin · July 21st, 2008

New Toyota Hybrid is Expected

Japanese newspaper Nikkei business daily is reporting that a new Toyota hybrid will be introduced next year: Toyota Motor Corp plans to produce 100,000 units a year of a new hybrid-only model slated for release in 2009 at a subsidiary in southern Japan, the Nikkei business daily reported on Saturday. The new car, which will …

Kevin · July 20th, 2008

Photo Gallery: Lexus IS-F in Smoky Granite Mica

Kicking Tires’ Ian Merritt put together a really nice photoshoot of the Lexus IS-F, here’s a sample: The Smoky Granite Mica is such a non-descript color, it really turns down the volume on the IS-F’s styling. (I’d almost say it’s my favorite exterior color for the model, but I have yet to see a couple …

Kevin · July 19th, 2008

Additional Video of the 2010 Lexus RX Prototype

Edmunds has more spy footage of the Lexus RX prototype booting its way around Nürburgring (click on the image below to be taken to the video): In their analysis, Edmunds points out the elimination of a portion of the rear side windows, which I had missed. Here’s a visual comparison: There’s definitely little deviation from …

Kevin · July 18th, 2008

Lexus IS-GTF to race in this weekend’s SPEED World Challenge

Whatever the reason, every time the Lexus IS-F & racing are linked together, it ends up being super-confusing. Case in point: My.IS has posted a story about pair of race-modified IS-Fs owned by DRC Motorsports that are about to enter the GT class of the SPEED World Challenge — only they’re not really IS-Fs, but …

Kevin · July 18th, 2008

New Lexus IS-F Commercial, Pt. 2

Here’s a new riff on the Lexus IS-F commercial we saw last week with Jim Sloyan: I have to say, I like the first one better, though it is nice to understand what Sloyan is saying this time round.

Kevin · July 17th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS Details Revealed

A number of details on the 2009 Lexus IS have been released by Lexus in the latest issue of their magazine. Here’s a scan: This verifies the information revealed in a document that showed up on Club Lexus last week, which was very specific about the upcoming changes. Let’s summarize: New Grille New front & …

Kevin · July 17th, 2008

1999 Lexus GS 400, VIP

The latest Import Tuner has a feature on the VIP’d 1999 Lexus GS 400 pictured above. Here’s a basic breakdown: Using a genuine Junction Produce body kit, including the bumpers, side skirts and rear wing, Johnny added a Ugo roof spoiler and JDM rain guards, chrome door handles and a trunk bar. To highlight the …

Kevin · July 16th, 2008

Ad: Lexus RX 330 “Road Optional”

As funny as it may be, I think this might be the first time I’ve seen mud on a Lexus RX ever: [Source: Coloribus]

Kevin · July 15th, 2008

Motor Trend: Lexus LS 460L Long Term Test

Motor Trend has wrapped up their year-long stay with the Lexus LS 460L, which had its share of ups and downs: …our staffers lauded the interior’s rich ambiance and excellent ergonomics, the buttery V-8’s power and acceleration, and the first-rate bumper-to-bumper build quality. And with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it didn’t force us to visit …

Kevin · July 15th, 2008

Video Interview with 5Axis’ Troy Sumitomo

When I started watching this video interview with 5Axis founder Troy Sumitomo, I wasn’t really expecting to learn anything new about his company’s Project IS-F concept, but it turned out to be pretty interesting, especially the insight into design inspiration: Note: This is potentially NSFW, Bikinis abound. It’s very easy to picture the concept car …

Kevin · July 14th, 2008

Lexus Responds to Next-Gen SC Cancellation Story

Toyota has responded to an Edmunds article that suggested the Lexus SC will be discontinued: Mike Michels, the corporate manager of External Communications for Toyota Motor Sales USA, has told AutomotiveWorld.com that reports by a US-based automotive website which claim the Lexus SC and Toyota Avalon will not be replaced due to slow sales are …

Kevin · July 14th, 2008

Flickr Find: Project IS-F Widebody

Speaking of the Project IS-F concept, I’ve been meaning to post this photo from Flickr user artistmg for some time now: I would have thought I’d be long past posting images of this car, but every once and a while an image jumps out at me. The Project IS-F looks especially wide here, and all …

Kevin · July 13th, 2008

Lexus Cancels Next-Generation SC?

According to Edmund’s Inside Line, the next generation Lexus SC has been cancelled: Toyota had been developing a successor to the SC, based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the LF-A. Originally slated for production in early 2009, the next-generation SC was pushed back to mid-2011 and now has been canceled, according to Toyota insiders. …

Kevin · July 12th, 2008

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